E-commerce continues to grow in Spanish food sector

Spanish supermarket sales rose 1% in 2018, according to data published by Euromonitor. The total value of these sales reached €56.1 billion. The forecast for the next five years is for a further 3% rise in sales. The grocery retail sector is rather concentrated in Spain, where Mercadona leads the way ($24.8 billion), followed by Carrefour ($10.8 billion). The country’s retail food market is highly diversified, with hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, discount stores and specialised stores coexisting with traditional corner grocery stores and open-air markets. While the economic recovery is slowly leading to an increase in domestic demand, the total number of retail outlets has decreased over the past decade. Online retail was once again the fastest growing channel in 2018, and this is expected to continue over the medium term, as more stores enter the channel and invest more in the online shopping experience. Some retailers are incorporating new improved shopping experiences to combine the traditional characteristics of supermarkets with convenience, such as an increased offering of prepared food, freshly squeezed juices, and a wide assortment of on-the-go  products.